Teacher dies by suicide after criminal investigation into his relationship with former student — who is now his wife

Christian Tomsey, 39, was found dead in his home amid a criminal investigation. Authorities later confirmed to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the Dominican High School English teacher took his own life.

A former student claimed they were in an inappropriate relationship with Tomsey in 2009. A later story by the Sentinel identified the former student as Tomsey’s current wife. The couple was reportedly in the middle of a divorce when Tomsey died.

High school officials notified parents about the accusations on Monday.

“Upon learning of the allegation, our administration immediately conducted a thorough investigation into the situation, which resulted in the termination of Mr. Tomsey’s employment,” officials said in the August letter.

Tomsey’s death comes days after he was booked into jail on suspicion of sexual assault of a student by school staff and possession of child pornography. Attorney Jonathan LaVoy, who represented the deceased teacher, told the Sentinel that Tomsey has not been formally charged and was planning to meet with prosecutors this week.

“He absolutely denied any inappropriate behavior with his now-wife when she was a student,” LaVoy said. “That developed all after graduation.”

Whitefish Bay Police Chief Michael Young declined to provide additional information about the case, citing an ongoing investigation. High school officials also wouldn’t publicly speak on the matter for the same reason.

Dominican High School officials said they will have counselors available on school grounds and encouraged anyone with information to contact Whitefish Bay police.

The letter concluded, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this tragic situation.”